Aerosol-generating device with piercing assembly

ABSTRACT

A piercing system includes a cap mountable on an aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device includes an aerosol-generating element with a body and a receptacle for receiving a cartridge housing an aerosol-forming substrate. The cap may be engageable with the body. The cap has a frame comprising a cavity arranged for receiving the cartridge. The cap includes a piercing element disposed within the cavity and configured to pierce a wall of the cartridge. The cap may be movable, relative to the body, between a first position and a second position, where in the second position, the piercing element is engaged with the cartridge to pierce the cartridge.

This disclosure relates to piercing systems for piercing cartridges usedin aerosol-generating devices. More particularly, this disclosurerelates to piercing assemblies for use in shisha devices.

Traditional shisha devices are used to smoke tobacco and are configuredsuch that vapor and smoke pass through a water basin before inhalationby a consumer. Shisha devices may include one outlet, or more than oneoutlet so that the device may be used by more than one consumer at atime. Use of shisha devices is considered by some to be a leisureactivity and a social experience.

Typically, traditional shishas are used in combination with a substrate,sometimes referred to in the art as hookah tobacco, tobacco molasses, orsimply as molasses. Traditional shisha substrates are relatively high insugar (in some cases, up to ˜50% vs. the ˜20% typically found inconventional tobacco substrates, such as in combustible cigarettes). Thetobacco used in shisha devices may be mixed with other ingredients to,for example, increase the volume of the vapor and smoke produced, toalter flavor, or both.

Traditional shisha devices employ charcoal, such as charcoal pellets toheat and sometimes combust the tobacco substrate to generate an aerosolfor inhalation by a user. Using charcoal to heat the tobacco may causefull or partial combustion of the tobacco or other ingredients.Additionally, charcoal may generate harmful or potentially harmfulproducts, such as carbon monoxide, which may mix with the shisha vaporand pass through the water basin to the outlet.

One way to reduce the production of carbon monoxide and combustionby-products is to employ e-liquids rather than tobacco. Shisha devicesthat employ e-liquids eliminate combustion by-products but depriveshisha consumers of the traditional tobacco-based experience.

Other shisha devices have been proposed that employ electric heaters toheat, but not combust, tobacco. Such electrically heated heat-not-burnshisha devices heat the tobacco substrate to a temperature sufficient toproduce an aerosol from the substrate without combusting the substrate,and therefore reduce or eliminate by-products associated with combustionof tobacco.

Shisha devices may employ a cartridge for housing an aerosol-formingsubstrate. The cartridge may be filled with such aerosol-formingsubstrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise tobacco,preferably shisha substrate, such as molasses—a mixture of tobacco,water, sugar, and other components, such as glycerine, flavors, etc. Theheating system of the electrically heated shisha device heats thecontents of the cartridge to generate aerosol, which is conveyed throughan airflow path to a user.

In order to facilitate airflow through the cartridge and the flow of theaerosol from the cartridge, a shisha cartridge may have one or moreholes through one or more walls. The cartridge may include one or moreholes at the top, one or more holes at the bottom, or both one or moreholes at the top and one or more holes at the bottom. Alternatively, thetop may be open, that is, the top wall may be partially or completelyabsent.

Prior art cartridges typically have one or more openings on at least oneof the walls of the cartridge, such as in one or both of the top andbottom walls. At least some of the holes or openings in the top andbottom walls may be closed by a removable (for example, peelable)sealing layer, such as a film, sticker, or liner, during storage. Theremovable layer may protect the contents (for example, the molasses)from exposure to air and oxygen. The removable layer may be removed (forexample, pulled or peeled off) by a user prior to first use of thecartridge.

The holes or openings in the cartridge, if left unsealed, may lead toloss of freshness (for example, moisture content) or contamination ofthe substrate, as well as issues with leakage. For one or more reasons,such as in order to maintain freshness, to prevent leakage of thesubstrate, or to preserve the quality and integrity of the substrateduring storage, it is desirable to form the openings or holes of thecartridge only immediately prior to use.

It would be desirable to provide a piercing assembly for piercingcartridges used in aerosol-generating devices. It would be desirable toprovide a piercing assembly that can be incorporated as part of anaerosol-generating device. It would be desirable to provide a piercingassembly that does not require additional equipment in addition to theaerosol-generating device. It would be desirable to provide a piercingassembly that is convenient and easy to use. It would be desirable toprovide a piercing assembly that can be used with a cartridge that doesnot have pre-formed air inlets or outlets. It would be desirable toprovide a piercing assembly that does not require a user to directlyhandle a piercing element when piercing a cartridge.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a piercing assemblyis provided that can be used in aerosol-generating devices. For example,the piercing assembly may be used in shisha devices. The piercingassembly may be used to form one or more openings in a cartridge. Forexample, the piercing assembly may be used to form one or more openingsin a shisha cartridge.

The piercing assembly may be a part of a cap used with anaerosol-generating device. The cap may be incorporated as part of ashisha device.

The piercing assembly comprises a cap. The cap may be mountable on theaerosol-generating device. The cap comprises a body with a cavity. Thecavity may be for receiving a cartridge and a piercing element. Thepiercing element may be constructed to pierce a wall of a cartridgereceived therein. The piercing element is configured for piercing (forexample, creating one or more holes in) a cartridge.

The piercing assembly may be operated by inserting a cartridge into theaerosol-generating device. The cap may be placed onto the device (forexample onto the receptacle of the aerosol-generating element). The capmay be pressed down such that the piercing element engages thecartridge. The piercing element of the piercing assembly may pierce (forexample, create one or more holes in) the cartridge. Theaerosol-generating device may be a shisha device and the cartridge maybe a shisha cartridge.

The piercing system of the present disclosure may provide variousadvantages to both the manufacturer and the user. Some of the advantagesinclude that the piercing system is convenient, easy, and safe to use.The user of the shisha device does not need additional equipment topierce a cartridge. Further, the user can pierce the cartridge withouthaving to directly handle a piercing element. The piercing assembly mayalso allow the cartridge to be pierced without removing a sticker orfilm from the cartridge. The piercing assembly may also enable use ofthe shisha device with cartridges that do not necessarily havepre-formed holes or openings. This means that cartridges may be providedcompletely sealed without holes, reducing the chance of leakage andremoving any need for such stickers. The cartridge may be placed intothe shisha device or into the cap prior to opening of the cartridge. Thepiercing assembly thus reduces the chance of leaks and other messes. Thepiercing element enables the use of a cartridge without pre-formedperforations. This allows for one or more of cheaper, faster, and easiermanufacturing of cartridges.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the piercingsystem may comprise a cap. The cap may be engageable with anaerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device may comprise anaerosol-generating element comprising a body and a receptacle forreceiving a cartridge comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. Theaerosol-generating device may comprise a vessel having a liquid filllevel and defining a head space outlet above the liquid fill level. Theaerosol-generating device may comprise a conduit for conveying airflowfrom the receptacle to the vessel. The cap may be engageable with thebody. The cap may comprise a frame comprising a cavity. The cap may havea center axis. The cavity may be arranged for receiving the cartridge.The cap may comprise a piercing element disposed within the cavity andconfigured to pierce a wall of the cartridge. The cap may comprise aspring element. The spring element may be configured for biasing thereceptacle axially away from the piercing element. The cap may bemovable, relative to the body, between a first position and a secondposition. In the first position, the piercing element may not be engagedwith the cartridge received in the receptacle. In the second position,the piercing element may be engaged with the cartridge received in thereceptacle to pierce the cartridge.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the piercingsystem comprises a cap mountable on an aerosol-generating device. Theaerosol-generating device comprises an aerosol-generating elementcomprising a body and a receptacle for receiving a cartridge comprisingan aerosol-forming substrate; a vessel having a liquid fill level anddefining a head space outlet above the liquid fill level; and a conduitfor conveying airflow from the receptacle to the vessel. The cap may beengageable with the body. The cap may comprise a frame comprising acavity and having a center axis. The cavity may be arranged forreceiving the cartridge. The cap may further comprise a piercing elementdisposed within the cavity and configured to pierce a wall of thecartridge. The cap may comprise a spring element biasing the receptacleaxially away from the piercing element. The cap may be movable, relativeto the body, between a first position and a second position. In thefirst position, the piercing element may not be engaged with thecartridge received in the receptacle. In the second position, thepiercing element may be engaged with the cartridge received in thereceptacle to pierce the cartridge.

The cap frame may comprise a side wall, an open end, and a closed endcomprising an end wall. The center axis extends from the open end to theclosed end. The piercing element may be oriented to face toward the openend. The piercing element may be disposed adjacent the closed end. Thepiercing element may be coaxial with the center axis. The piercingelement may be centered on the center axis.

The cap may be movable, relative to the body, between the secondposition and a third position and between the third position and thefirst position. The third position may be an intermediate positionbetween the first and second positions. In the third position, an airpath may be open between an external environment, the cavity, and thecartridge.

The cap may comprise an outer shroud and an inner shroud disposed withinthe outer shroud. The outer shroud may comprise the piercing element.The inner shroud may define the cavity. The outer shroud may be axiallymovable relative to the inner shroud. The inner shroud may comprise acylindrical side wall coaxial with the center axis, and an end wall atone end of the cylindrical side wall. The end wall may comprise anopening configured to receive the piercing element. When the piercingelement is received in the end wall opening and the cap is in the thirdposition, a gap configured to allow airflow through the opening mayremain between the piercing element and the end wall of the innershroud.

The inner shroud may comprise one or more guide tracks. The outer shroudmay comprise one or more track pins configured to cooperate with the oneor more guide tracks. Each of the one or more guide tracks may comprisea first portion and a second portion. The first portion may define afirst distance and the second portion may define a second distance thatis shorter than the first distance. The first portion may guide thetrack pin in an axial direction and in a radial direction. The firstportion may define a piercing position of the piercing element.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a second piercing element.The second piercing element may extend from the base of the receptacleinto the receptacle in a direction away from the base of the receptacle.

The aerosol-generating device may be a shisha device. The cartridge maybe a shisha cartridge. The piercing system may be used with the shishadevice to pierce the shisha cartridge. The piercing system may be partof the shisha device.

The term “aerosol” is used herein to refer to a suspension of solidparticles or liquid droplets or a combination of solid particles andliquid droplets in a gas. The gas may be air. The solid particles orliquid droplets may comprise one or more volatile flavor compounds.Aerosol may be visible or invisible. Aerosol may include vapors ofsubstances that are ordinarily liquid or solid at room temperature.Aerosol may include vapors of substances that are ordinarily liquid orsolid at room temperature, in combination with solid particles or incombination with liquid droplets or in combination with both solidparticles and liquid droplets. In some embodiments, the aerosolcomprises nicotine.

The term “aerosol-forming substrate” is used herein to refer to amaterial capable of releasing one or more volatile compounds that canform an aerosol. In some embodiments, an aerosol-forming substrate maybe heated to volatilize one or more components of the aerosol-formingsubstrate to form an aerosol. As an alternative to heating orcombustion, in some cases volatile compounds may be released by achemical reaction or by a mechanical stimulus, such as ultrasound. Theaerosol-forming substrate may be disposed inside the cartridge.Aerosol-forming substrate may be solid or liquid or may comprise bothsolid and liquid components. Aerosol-forming substrate may be adsorbed,coated, impregnated or otherwise loaded onto a carrier or support.Aerosol-forming substrate may comprise nicotine. Aerosol-formingsubstrate may comprise plant-based material. Aerosol-forming substratemay comprise tobacco. Aerosol-forming substrate may comprise atobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco flavorcompounds, which are released from the aerosol-forming substrate uponheating. Aerosol-forming substrate may alternatively comprise anon-tobacco-containing material. Aerosol-forming substrate may comprisehomogenized plant-based material. Aerosol-forming substrate may comprisehomogenized tobacco material.

Aerosol-forming substrate may comprise at least one aerosol-former.Aerosol-forming substrate may comprise other additives and ingredients,such as flavorants.

The terms “integral” and “integrally formed” are used herein to describeelements that are formed in one piece (a single, unitary piece).Integral or integrally formed components may be configured such thatthey cannot be separably removed from each other without causingstructural damage to the piece.

The term “piercing edge” is used herein to describe an edge that iscapable of piercing a cartridge. A piercing edge has a length. Apiercing edge may terminate at a piercing end. An example of a piercingedge is a knife edge.

The term “piercing point” is used herein to describe a pointed end of anobject that is capable of piercing a cartridge. An example of a piercingpoint is a needle tip.

As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” also encompassembodiments having plural referents, unless the content clearly dictatesotherwise.

As used herein, “or” is generally employed in its sense including “oneor the other or both” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

The term “about” is used herein in conjunction with numeric values toinclude normal variations in measurements as expected by persons skilledin the art, and is understood to have the same meaning as“approximately.” The term “about” understood to cover a typical marginof error. A typical margin of error may be, for example, ±5% of thestated value.

As used herein, “have,” “having,” “include,” “including,” “comprise,”“comprising” or the like are used in their open-ended sense, andgenerally mean “including, but not limited to”. It will be understoodthat “consisting essentially of,” “consisting of,” and the like aresubsumed in “comprising,” and the like.

The words “preferred” and “preferably” refer to embodiments of theinvention that may afford certain benefits, under certain circumstances.However, other embodiments may also be preferred, under the same orother circumstances. Furthermore, the recitation of one or morepreferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are notuseful, and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scopeof the disclosure, including the claims.

The term “substantially” as used herein can be understood to modify theterm that follows by at least about 90%, at least about 95%, or at leastabout 98%. The term “not substantially” as used herein can be understoodto have the inverse meaning of “substantially,” i.e., modifying the termthat follows by not more than 10%, not more than 5%, or not more than2%.

Any direction referred to herein, such as “top,” “bottom,” “left,”“right,” “upper,” “lower,” and other directions or orientations aredescribed herein for clarity and brevity but are not intended to belimiting of an actual device or system. Devices and systems describedherein may be used in a number of directions and orientations.

An aerosol-generating device may comprise an aerosol-generating element.The aerosol-generating element may comprise a body and a receptacle forreceiving a cartridge comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. Theaerosol-generating device may comprise a vessel having a liquid filllevel and defining a head space outlet above the liquid fill level. Theaerosol-generating device may comprise a conduit for conveying airflowfrom the receptacle to the vessel. A cap with a piercing system may beused with the aerosol-generating device to engage the aerosol-generatingelement and a cartridge inserted therein. The cap may be engageable withthe body of the aerosol-generating element. According to someembodiments, the cap along with a piercing assembly within the cap formsa piercing system for piercing the cartridge.

The aerosol-generating device may be a shisha device. A shisha devicemay comprise an aerosol-generating element comprising a body and areceptacle for receiving a cartridge comprising an aerosol-formingsubstrate. The shisha device may comprise a vessel having a liquid filllevel and defining a head space outlet above the liquid fill level, anda conduit for conveying airflow from the receptacle to the vessel. A capwith a piercing system may be used with the shisha device to engage theaerosol-generating element and a cartridge inserted therein. The cap maybe engageable with the body of the aerosol-generating element. Accordingto some embodiments, the cap along with a piercing assembly within thecap forms a piercing system for piercing the cartridge.

The cap may comprise a frame comprising a cavity and having a centeraxis. The cavity may be arranged for receiving the cartridge. The capmay further comprise a piercing assembly disposed within the cavity andconfigured to pierce a wall of the cartridge. The cap may advantageouslybe used to operate the piercing device. This allows a user to pierce thecartridge without having to come directly into contact with the piercingelement. The cap may also reinforce and protect the piercing assembly.The user also does not need to handle the cartridge after piercing andbefore using the cartridge in the shisha device. This may help preventleaks and messes from an open cartridge.

The cap may comprise an outer frame. The outer frame may have anysuitable shape. In some embodiments, the outer frame is formed by acylindrical outer wall extending between a first end wall and an opensecond end. The first end wall may be a top wall. The outer frame may beopen at the bottom. The outer frame may define a cavity for housing thepiercing assembly. The cap and piercing assembly may define alongitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis may be a center axis. Thelongitudinal axis may be coaxial with the hollow tube of the stem pipe.The shape and size of the outer frame may be configured to suitablylimit the maximum movement path of the piercing assembly.

The first end wall of the cap may have a protrusion extending into thecavity. The protrusion may be configured for pressing on the piercingassembly (for example, an outer shroud), while leaving a gap between thecap outer frame and the piercing assembly. The protrusion may bedisposed along the center axis. This provides even distribution offorce. The outer frame may be configured to form a part of the airflowpath through the device. The air gap may also serve to provide thermalinsulation between the heating element and the cap.

The piercing assembly may include a body and a piercing element arrangedon the body. The body may comprise an outer shroud defining a cavity.The piercing element may be at least partially disposed within thecavity. The outer shroud may comprise a cylindrical outer wall extendingbetween a first end wall and an open second end. The outer shroud maydefine a cavity for housing the piercing element and an inner shroud.

According to an embodiment, the outer shroud comprises the piercingelement. The piercing element extends axially downward inside the cavityof the outer shroud. The piercing element may be integral with the outershroud or may be attached to the inside of the first end wall of theouter shroud.

The piercing element may have any suitable shape for piercing a wall ofthe cartridge. For example, the piercing element may comprise one ormore piercing edges or piercing points. The piercing edges or piercingpoints are configured to pierce a wall (for example, top wall) of thecartridge. The number of piercing points or edges is not particularlylimited. The piercing element may have only a single piercing point oredge. The piercing element may have a plurality of piercing points oredges. For example, the piercing element may have 2 or more, 3 or more,4 or more, 5 or more, 6 or more, or 8 or more piercing points or edges.The piercing element may have 20 or fewer, 15 or fewer, 12 or fewer, 10or fewer, or 8 or fewer piercing points or edges. In one embodiment, thepiercing element is shaped like an inverted crown with multiple piercingpoints extending downward. The inverted crown may have from 4 to 10 orfrom 6 to 8 piercing points or edges.

The piercing assembly may include an inner shroud. The inner shroud maybe constructed to at least partially fit within the cavity of the outershroud. The inner shroud may have an outer wall comprising a first partand a second part. The first and second parts may be cylindricalelements with different diameters. The first part may be a cylindricalwall with a first diameter, and the second part may be a cylindricalwall with a second diameter. The second diameter may be greater than thefirst diameter. The second part may be coaxial with and below the firstpart such that a shoulder is formed at the transition between the firstand second parts. The shoulder may support a compression spring. Thecompression spring may fit around the first part. The compression springmay extend from the shoulder to the first end wall of the outer shroud.

The outer wall of the inner shroud may extend between a first end walland an open second end. The inner shroud may define a cavity forreceiving the cartridge. The inner shroud may have an opening at thefirst end wall. The opening may be configured to receive the piercingelement. The opening may further include one or more recesses orchannels for facilitating airflow through the inner shroud while thepiercing element is received in the opening.

The outer and inner shrouds may include a track and pin system to guidethe movement of the outer and inner shrouds relative to one another. Theouter shroud may be vertically, horizontally, or both vertically andhorizontally movable. The inner shroud may be vertically, horizontally,or both vertically and horizontally movable. In one embodiment, theinner shroud defines the track and the outer shroud comprises one ormore pins. Alternatively, the track may be defined in the outer shroudand the one or more pins may be on the inner shroud. In one embodiment,the outer shroud comprises one or more pins extending radially inwardlyfrom its cylindrical outer wall. The inner shroud may include one ormore tracks corresponding to the one or more pins. The one or moretracks may be disposed on the second (lower) part of the inner shroud.The one or more tracks may define multiple positions of the outershroud. For example, the one or more tracks may define a first positionthat is a rest position, a second position that is a piercing position,and a third position that is a use position. When the outer shroud is inthe second position, the compression spring biases the outer shroudupward. The one or more tracks may also define a fourth position that isa release position. When the outer shroud is in the fourth position, thecompression spring biases the outer shroud upward. As the compressionspring biases the outer shroud upward, it also biases the cap outerframe upward.

The outer shroud may be pressed down (for example, by a user pressing onthe cap outer frame) from the first position to the second position. Inentering the second position, the piercing element engages and piercesthe cartridge. When pressure is released from the outer shroud, thecompression spring returns the outer shroud upward to a third position.In the third position, an airflow path is open through the openingsformed in the cartridge. The airflow path may be open between anexterior of the shisha device and the vessel. The user may use theshisha device by drawing on the mouthpiece. To release and remove thecap, the user may again press on the outer shroud (for example, bypressing on the cap outer frame), causing the outer shroud to move tothe fourth position. From the fourth position, the compression springreturns the outer shroud to the initial first position (the restposition).

The bottom of the cap outer frame may be attached to a support plate.The support plate may be configured to hold the piercing assembly insidethe cavity of the outer frame. The support plate may be a substantiallyround plate with a center hole extending through the plate. The hole maybe sized to accommodate the cartridge. The hole may also be sized toaccept the receptacle that may house the cartridge. The hole may have anangled inner edge tapered inward at its upper side. The angled inneredge may aid in engaging the cap with the aerosol-generating element andreceiving the cartridge in the inner shroud. The support plate may beattached in any suitable manner, such as by an adhesive or by a couplingelement, such as screws, clips, a threaded coupling, snap fit, orfriction fit.

The cap and piercing assembly may include a grip element configured togrip the cartridge. The grip element may include a ring member and oneor more grip fingers extending from the ring member. The grip fingersmay be spring fingers biased radially toward the center axis. The gripelement may be positioned within the inner shroud. The grip element maybe oriented with the one or more grip fingers pointing upward. When acartridge is received in the inner shroud, the ring member maycircumscribe the cartridge body. The one or more grip fingers may beconfigured such that the ends of the grip fingers abut against an upperflange of the cartridge. The one or more grip fingers may have a lengththat is less than the height of the cartridge. When the cap is removed,the cartridge is removed with the cap due to the grip fingers abuttingagainst the flange, and thus preventing the cartridge from falling outof the cavity of the inner shroud.

The cap and piercing assembly may be made from any suitable material.Suitable materials include plastic, metal, ceramic, glass, andcombinations thereof. Different parts of the piercing assembly may bemade from different materials. For example, some parts, such as theouter shroud and inner shroud may be made of plastic, while other parts,such as the spring and gripping element may be made of metal. Othercombinations are possible.

When a user uses the shisha device with the cap and piercing assemblyaccording to an embodiment, the user may begin by placing a cartridge inthe receptacle of the shisha device, and placing the cap onto or intothe aerosol-generating element such that the cartridge is received inthe inner shroud. If the cap includes a grip element, the grip fingersof the grip element may slide past the top of the cartridge such thatthe grip fingers grip the cartridge. The user may then push on the capto pierce the cartridge. As the user pushes on the cap, the pins of theouter shroud slide along a path formed by the track in the inner shroud,guiding the outer shroud to the piercing position, where the piercingelement pierces the top of the cartridge. After the user lets go of thecap, the compression spring pushes the cap frame and outer shroud upinto an operating position. In the operating position, the air paththrough the cartridge is open. After using the shisha device, the usermay push on the cap again to release the cap. The track-and-pin systemwill guide the motion of the cap and outer shroud, allowing the springto return the cap to its initial (rest) position. The user may thenremove the cap from the device.

In some embodiments, the shisha device includes a second piercingassembly. The second piercing assembly may be disposed at the upper endof the stem pipe, below the cartridge. The second piercing assembly mayextend from the base of the receptacle into the receptacle in adirection away from the base of the receptacle. When the cap andpiercing assembly are pressed down, the cartridge may also be pressedagainst the second piercing assembly. The cap may be pierced by bothpiercing assemblies. The piercing assemblies may pierce the top andbottom walls of the cartridge.

The cartridge may comprise any suitable body defining a cavity.Aerosol-forming substrate may be disposed in the cavity of thecartridge. The body is preferably formed from one or more heat resistantmaterials, such as a heat resistant metal or polymer. The body maycomprise a thermally conductive material. For example, the body maycomprise any of aluminum, copper, zinc, nickel, silver, any alloysthereof, and combinations thereof. Preferably, the body comprisesaluminum.

The cartridge may be of any suitable shape. For example, the cartridgemay have a shape configured to be received by a shisha device. Thecartridge may have a substantially cuboidal shape, cylindrical shape,frustoconical shape, or any other suitable shape. Preferably, thecartridge has a generally cylindrical shape or a frustoconical shape.

The shisha device is configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate inthe cartridge. The device may be configured to heat the aerosol-formingsubstrate in the cartridge by conduction. The cartridge is preferablyshaped and sized to allow contact with, or minimize distance from, aheating element of the shisha device to provide efficient heat transferfrom the heating element to the aerosol-forming substrate in thecartridge. The heat may be generated by any suitable mechanism, such asby resistive heating or by induction. In order to facilitate inductiveheating, the cartridge may be provided with a susceptor. For example,the cartridge body may be made from or include a material (for example,aluminum) that is capable of acting as a susceptor, or a susceptormaterial may be provided within the cavity of the cartridge. A susceptormaterial may be provided within the cavity of the cartridge in any form,for example a powder, a solid block, shreds, etc.

Any suitable aerosol-forming substrate may be provided in the cavitydefined by the body of the cartridge. The aerosol-forming substrate ispreferably a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds. Theaerosol-forming substrate is preferably a substrate capable of releasingcompounds that may form an aerosol. The volatile compounds may bereleased by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The volatilecompounds may be released by a chemical reaction or by a mechanicalstimulus, such as ultrasound. Aerosol-forming substrate may be solid orliquid or may comprise both solid and liquid components. Aerosol-formingsubstrate may be adsorbed, coated, impregnated or otherwise loaded ontoa carrier or support.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise nicotine. The nicotinecontaining aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a nicotine saltmatrix. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise plant-based material.The aerosol-forming substrate preferably comprises tobacco. The tobaccocontaining material preferably comprises volatile tobacco flavorcompounds, which are released from the aerosol-forming substrate uponheating. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise homogenized tobaccomaterial. Homogenized tobacco material may be formed by agglomeratingparticulate tobacco. The aerosol-forming substrate may alternatively oradditionally comprise a non-tobacco-containing material. Theaerosol-forming substrate may comprise homogenized plant-based material.Aerosol-forming substrate may comprise at least one aerosol-former.Aerosol-forming substrate may comprise other additives and ingredients,such as flavorants. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate is ashisha substrate. A shisha substrate is understood to mean a consumablematerial that is suitable for use in a shisha device. Shisha substratemay include molasses.

The aerosol-forming substrate may include, for example, one or more of:powder, granules, pellets, shreds, spaghettis, strips, or sheets. Theaerosol-forming substrate may contain one or more of: herb leaf, tobaccoleaf, fragments of tobacco ribs, reconstituted tobacco, homogenizedtobacco, extruded tobacco, and expanded tobacco.

The aerosol-forming substrate may include at least one aerosol former.Suitable aerosol formers include compounds or mixtures of compoundswhich, in use, facilitate formation of a dense and stable aerosol andwhich are substantially resistant to thermal degradation at theoperating temperature of the shisha device. Suitable aerosol formers arewell known in the art and include, but are not limited to: polyhydricalcohols, such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol and glycerine;esters of polyhydric alcohols, such as glycerol mono-, di- ortriacetate; and aliphatic esters of mono-, di- or polycarboxylic acids,such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate.Particularly preferred aerosol formers are polyhydric alcohols ormixtures thereof, such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol and, mostpreferred, glycerine. The aerosol-forming substrate may include anysuitable amount of an aerosol former. For example, the aerosol formercontent of the substrate may be equal to or greater than 5% on a dryweight basis, and preferably greater than 30% by weight on a dry weightbasis. The aerosol former content may be less than about 95% on a dryweight basis. Preferably, the aerosol former content is up to about 55%.

The aerosol-forming substrate preferably includes nicotine and at leastone aerosol former. In some embodiments, the aerosol former is glycerineor a mixture of glycerine and one or more other suitable aerosolformers, such as those listed above.

The aerosol-forming substrate may include other additives andingredients, such as flavorants, sweeteners, etc. In some examples, theaerosol-forming substrate includes one or more sugars in any suitableamount. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate includes invert sugar.Invert sugar is a mixture of glucose and fructose obtained by splittingsucrose. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate includes from about1% to about 40% sugar, such as invert sugar, by weight. In some example,one or more sugars may be mixed with a suitable carrier such ascornstarch or maltodextrin.

In some examples, the aerosol-forming substrate includes one or moresensory-enhancing agents. Suitable sensory-enhancing agents includeflavorants and sensation agents, such as cooling agents. Suitableflavorants include natural or synthetic menthol, peppermint, spearmint,coffee, tea, spices (such as cinnamon, clove, ginger, or combinationthereof), cocoa, vanilla, fruit flavors, chocolate, eucalyptus,geranium, eugenol, agave, juniper, anethole, linalool, and anycombination thereof.

In some examples, the aerosol-forming substrate is in the form of asuspension. For example, the aerosol-forming substrate may includemolasses. As used herein, “molasses” means an aerosol-forming substratecomposition comprising about 20% or more sugar. For example, themolasses may include at least about 25% by weight sugar, such as atleast about 35% by weight sugar. Typically, the molasses will containless than about 60% by weight sugar, such as less than about 50% byweight sugar.

Any suitable amount of aerosol-forming substrate (for example, molassesor tobacco substrate) may be disposed in the cavity. In some preferredembodiments, about 3 g to about 25 g of the aerosol-forming substrate isdisposed in the cavity. The cartridge may include at least 6 g, at least7 g, at least 8 g, or at least 9 g of aerosol-forming substrate. Thecartridge may include up to 15 g, up to 12 g; up to 11 g, or up to 10 gof aerosol-forming substrate. Preferably, from about 7 g to about 13 gof aerosol-forming substrate is disposed in the cavity.

The aerosol-forming substrate may be provided on or embedded in athermally stable carrier. The term “thermally stable” is used herein toindicate a material that does not substantially degrade at temperaturesto which the substrate is typically heated (e.g., about 150° C. to about300° C.). The carrier may comprise a thin layer on which the substratedeposited on a first major surface, on second major outer surface, or onboth the first and second major surfaces. The carrier may be formed of,for example, a paper, or paper-like material, a non-woven carbon fibermat, a low mass open mesh metallic screen, or a perforated metallic foilor any other thermally stable polymer matrix. Alternatively, the carriermay take the form of powder, granules, pellets, shreds, spaghettis,strips or sheets. The carrier may be a non-woven fabric or fiber bundleinto which tobacco components have been incorporated. The non-wovenfabric or fiber bundle may comprise, for example, carbon fibers, naturalcellulose fibers, or cellulose-derivative fibers.

The body of the cartridge may include one or more walls. In someembodiments, the body includes a top wall, a bottom wall, and asidewall. The sidewall may be cylindrical or frustoconical, extendingfrom the bottom to the top. The body may include one or more parts. Forexample, the sidewall and the bottom wall may be an integral singlepart. The sidewall and the bottom wall may be two parts configured toengage one another in any suitable manner. For example, the sidewall andthe bottom wall may be configured to engage one another by threadedengagement or interference fit. The sidewall and the bottom wall may betwo parts joined together. For example, the sidewall and the bottom wallmay be joined together by welding or by an adhesive. The top wall andsidewall may be a single integral part. The sidewall and the top wallmay be two parts configured to engage one another in any suitablemanner. For example, sidewall and the top wall may be configured toengage one another by threaded engagement or interference fit. Thesidewall and the top wall may be two parts joined together. For example,the sidewall and the top wall may be joined together by welding or by anadhesive. The top wall, sidewall and bottom wall may all be a singleintegral part. The top wall, the sidewall, and the bottom wall may bethree separate parts configured to engage one another in any suitablemanner. For example, the top wall, the sidewall, and the bottom wall maybe configured to engage by threaded engagement interference fit,welding, or an adhesive.

One or more walls of the body may form a heatable wall or surface. Asused herein, “heatable wall” and “heatable surface” mean an area of awall or a surface to which heat may be applied, either directly orindirectly. The heatable wall or surface may function as a heat transfersurface through which heat may be transferred from outside of the bodyto the cavity or to an internal surface of the cavity.

Preferably, the body of the cartridge has a length (for example, anaxial length along a vertical center axis) of about 15 cm or less. Insome embodiments, the body has a length of about 10 cm or less. The bodymay have an inside diameter of about 1 cm or more. The inside diameterof the body may be about 1.75 cm or more. The cartridge may have aheatable surface area in the cavity from about 25 cm² to about 100 cm²,such as from about 70 cm² to about 100 cm². The volume of the cavity maybe from about 10 cm³ to about 50 cm³; preferably from about 25 cm³ toabout 40 cm³. In some embodiments, the body has a length in a range fromabout 3.5 cm to about 7 cm. The inside diameter of the body may be fromabout 1.5 cm to about 4 cm. The body may have a heatable surface area inthe cavity from about 30 cm² to about 100 cm², such as from about 70 cm²to about 100 cm². The volume of the cavity may be from about 10 cm³ toabout 50 cm³; preferably from about 25 cm³ to about 40 cm³. Preferably,the body is cylindrical or frustoconical.

The cartridge body may include one or more openings or ventilation holesthrough one or more walls of the body. The ventilation holes may beinlets, outlets, or both. The ventilation holes may be disposed at thebottom wall, top wall, sides, or a combination thereof, of thecartridge. In some embodiments, the cartridge does not include anypreformed openings or ventilation holes. In some embodiments, thecartridge includes preformed openings or ventilation holes only in onewall. For example, the cartridge may include openings or ventilationholes in the bottom wall only. In some embodiments, one or more inletsor one or more outlets are formed in the cartridge walls by the piercingassembly to allow air to flow through the aerosol-forming substrate whenthe cartridge is used with a shisha device. In some embodiments, one ormore inlets and outlets are formed in the cartridge walls by thepiercing assembly to allow air to flow through the aerosol-formingsubstrate when the cartridge is used with a shisha device. In someembodiments, the bottom wall of the cartridge may define one or moreopenings to form the one or more outlets of the cartridge. Preferably,the one or more inlets and outlets are sized and shaped to provide asuitable resistance to draw (RTD) through the cartridge. In someexamples, the RTD through the cartridge, from the inlet or inlets to theoutlet or outlets, may be from about 10 mm H₂O to about 50 mm H₂O,preferably from about 20 mm H₂O to about 40 mm H₂O. The RTD of aspecimen refers to the static pressure difference between the two endsof the specimen when it is traversed by an air flow under steadyconditions in which the volumetric flow is 17.5 milliliters per secondat the output end. The RTD of a specimen may be measured using themethod set out in ISO Standard 6565:2002.

The one or more openings, once formed, on the body may cover 5% orgreater, 10% or greater, 15% or greater, 20% or greater, or 25% orgreater of the area of the wall the openings are on. For example, if theopenings are on the top wall, the openings may cover at least 5% of thearea of the top wall. The one or more openings on the body may cover 75%or less, 50% or less, 40% or less, or 30% or less of the area of thewall the openings are on.

The cartridge may further include a seal or layer covering one or morepreformed openings prior to use. The cartridge may include a firstremovable seal covering the one or more inlets and a second removableseal covering the one or more outlets. The first and second seals arepreferably sufficient to prevent air flow through the inlets and outletsto prevent leakage of the contents of the cartridge and to extend shelflife. The seal may comprise a peelable label of sticker, foil, or thelike. The seal may comprise a pierceable label of sticker, foil, or thelike. The label, sticker, or foil may be affixed to the cartridge in anysuitable manner, such as with an adhesive, crimping, welding, orotherwise being joined to the container. The seal may comprise a tabthat may be grasped to peel or remove the label, sticker, or foil fromthe cartridge.

In some embodiments the cartridge is a shisha cartridge that may be usedwith any suitable shisha device. Preferably, the shisha device isconfigured to sufficiently heat the aerosol-forming substrate in thecartridge to form an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate but notto combust the aerosol-forming substrate. For example, the shisha devicemay be configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate to a temperaturein a range from about 150° C. to about 300° C.; more preferably fromabout 180° C. to about 250° C. or from about 200° C. to about 230° C.

The shisha device may include a receptacle for receiving the cartridge.The shisha device may include a heating element configured to contact orto be in proximity to the body of the cartridge when the cartridge isreceived in the receptacle. The heating element may form at least partof the receptacle. For example, the heating element may form at least aportion of the surface of the receptacle. The shisha cartridge may beconfigured to transfer heat from the heating element to theaerosol-forming substrate in the cavity by conduction. In someembodiments, the heating element includes an electric heating element.In some embodiments, the heating element includes a resistive heatingcomponent. For example, the heating element may include one or moreresistive wires or other resistive elements. The resistive wires may bein contact with a thermally conductive material to distribute heatproduced over a broader area. Examples of suitable conductive materialsinclude aluminum, copper, zinc, nickel, silver, and combinationsthereof. The heating element may form at least a portion of the surfaceof the receptacle.

The shisha device may include control electronics operably coupled tothe heating element. The control electronics may be configured tocontrol heating of the heating element. The control electronics may beconfigured to control the temperature to which the aerosol-formingsubstrate in the cartridge is heated. The control electronics may beprovided in any suitable form and may, for example, include a controlleror a memory and a controller. The controller may include one or more ofan Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) state machine, adigital signal processor, a gate array, a microprocessor, or equivalentdiscrete or integrated logic circuitry. Control electronics may includememory that contains instructions that cause one or more components ofthe circuitry to carry out a function or aspect of the controlelectronics. Functions attributable to control electronics in thisdisclosure may be embodied as one or more of software, firmware, andhardware.

The electronic circuitry may include a microprocessor, which may be aprogrammable microprocessor. The electronic circuitry may be configuredto regulate a supply of power. The power may be supplied to the heaterelement in the form of pulses of electrical current.

In some examples, the control electronics may be configured to monitorthe electrical resistance of the heating element and to control thesupply of power to the heating element depending on the electricalresistance of the heating element. In this manner, the controlelectronics may regulate the temperature of the resistive element.

The shisha device may include a temperature sensor, such as athermocouple. The temperature sensor may be operably coupled to thecontrol electronics to control the temperature of the heating element.The temperature sensor may be positioned in any suitable location. Forexample, the temperature sensor may be configured to insert into thecartridge when received within the receptacle to monitor the temperatureof the aerosol-forming substrate being heated. In addition oralternatively, the temperature sensor may be in contact with the heatingelement. In addition or alternatively, the temperature sensor may bepositioned to detect temperature at an aerosol outlet of the shishadevice or a portion thereof. The sensor may transmit signals regardingthe sensed temperature to the control electronics. The controlelectronics may adjust heating of the heating elements in response tothe signal to achieve a suitable temperature at the sensor.

The control electronics may be operably coupled to a power supply. Theshisha device may include any suitable power supply. For example, apower supply of a shisha device may be a battery or set of batteries.The batteries of the power supply may be rechargeable, removable andreplaceable, or rechargeable and removable and replaceable. Any suitablebattery may be used. For example, heavy duty type or standard batteriesexisting in the market, such as used for industrial heavy-dutyelectrical power-tools. Alternatively, the power supply may be any typeof electric power supply including a super or hyper-capacitor.Alternatively, the assembly may be connected to an external electricalpower source, and electrically and electronically designed for suchpurpose. Regardless of the type of power supply employed, the powersupply preferably provides sufficient energy for the normal functioningof the assembly for at least one shisha session until aerosol isdepleted from the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge beforebeing recharged or needing to connect to an external electrical powersource. Preferably, the power supply provides sufficient energy for thenormal functioning of the assembly for at least about 70 minutes ofcontinuous operation of the device, before being recharged or needing toconnect to an external electrical power source.

In one example, a shisha device includes an aerosol-generating elementthat includes a cartridge receptacle, a heating element, an aerosoloutlet, and an air inlet. The cartridge receptacle is configured toreceive a cartridge according to the present disclosure containing theaerosol-forming substrate. The heating element may define at least partof a surface of the receptacle.

The shisha device includes an air inlet channel in fluid connection withthe receptacle. In use, when the substrate inside the cartridge isheated, aerosol former components in the substrate vaporize. Air flowingfrom the air inlet channel through the cartridge becomes entrained withaerosol generated from the aerosol former components in the cartridge.

Some electrically heated shisha devices employ pre-heated air andtypically employ an airflow path such that the air travels in thevicinity of the heat source upon puffing. Further, some electricallyheated shisha devices employ elements that increase radiation heattransfer by increasing the heated surface area.

The air inlet channel may include one or more apertures through thecartridge receptacle such that air from outside the shisha device mayflow through the channel and into the cartridge receptacle through theone or more apertures. If a channel includes more than one aperture, thechannel may include a manifold to direct air flowing through the channelto each aperture. Preferably, the shisha device includes two or more airinlet channels.

As described above, the cartridge includes one or more openings (such asinlets or outlets) formed in the body, allowing air to flow through thecartridge. If the receptacle includes one or more inlet apertures, atleast some of the inlets in the cartridge may align with the aperturesin the top of the receptacle. The cartridge may include an alignmentfeature configured to mate with a complementary alignment feature of thereceptacle to align the inlets of the cartridge with the apertures ofthe receptacle when the cartridge is inserted into the receptacle.

Air that enters the cartridge may flow across or through, or both acrossand through the aerosol-forming substrate, entraining aerosol, andexiting the cartridge and receptacle via an aerosol outlet. From theaerosol outlet, the air carrying the aerosol enters a vessel of theshisha device via the stem pipe.

The shisha device may include any suitable vessel defining an interiorvolume configured to contain a liquid and defining an outlet in theheadspace above a liquid fill level. The vessel may include an opticallytransparent or opaque housing to allow a consumer to observe contentscontained in the vessel. The vessel may include a liquid filldemarcation, such as a liquid fill line. The vessel housing may beformed of any suitable material. For example, the vessel housing mayinclude glass or suitable rigid plastic material. Preferably, the vesselis removable from a portion of the shisha assembly comprising theaerosol-generation element to allow a consumer to fill, empty or cleanthe vessel.

The vessel may be filled to a liquid fill level by a consumer. Theliquid preferably includes water, which may optionally be infused withone or more colorants, flavorants, or colorants and flavorants. Forexample, the water may be infused with one or both of botanical andherbal infusions.

Aerosol entrained in air exiting the aerosol outlet of the receptaclemay travel through a conduit positioned in the vessel. The conduit maybe coupled to the aerosol outlet of the aerosol-generating element andmay have an opening below the liquid fill level of the vessel, such thataerosol flowing through the vessel flows through the opening of theconduit, then through the liquid, into headspace of the vessel and exitsthrough a headspace outlet, for delivery to a consumer.

The headspace outlet may be coupled to a hose comprising a mouthpiecefor delivering the aerosol to a consumer. The mouthpiece may include anactivation element, such as a switch activatable by a user, a puffsensor arranged to detect a user puffing on the mouthpiece, or both aswitch activatable by the user and a puff sensor. The activation elementis operably coupled to the control electronics of the shisha device. Theactivation element may be wirelessly coupled to the control electronics.Activation of the activation element may cause the control electronicsto activate the heating element, rather than constantly supplying energyto the heating element. Accordingly, the use of an activation elementmay serve to save energy relative to devices not employing such elementsto provide on-demand heating rather than constant heating.

For purposes of example, one method for using a shisha device asdescribed herein is provided below in chronological order. The vesselmay be detached from other components of the shisha device and filledwith water. One or more of natural fruit juices, botanicals, and herbalinfusions may be added to the water for flavoring. The amount of liquidadded should cover a portion of the conduit but should not exceed a filllevel mark that may optionally exist on the vessel. The vessel is thenreassembled to the shisha device. The cartridge may be placed into thereceptacle. The cap may be placed onto the receptacle and cartridge suchthat the cartridge is received in the cavity inside the cap. The usermay press the cap down against the cartridge such that the piercingelement engages the cartridge to pierce one or more walls of thecartridge. The device may then be turned on. Turning on the device mayinitiate a heating profile of a heating element, to heat theaerosol-forming substrate to a temperature at or above a vaporizationtemperature but below a combustion temperature of the aerosol-formingsubstrate. The aerosol forming compounds of the aerosol-formingsubstrate vaporize, generating an aerosol. The user may puff on themouthpiece as desired. The user may continue using the device as long asdesired or until no more aerosol is visible or being delivered. In someembodiments, the device may be arranged to automatically shut off whenthe cartridge or a compartment of the cartridge is depleted of usableaerosol-forming substrate. In some embodiments, the consumer may refillthe device with a fresh cartridge after, for example, receiving the cuefrom the device that the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge isdepleted or nearly depleted. The shisha device may be turned off at anytime by a consumer by, for example, switching off the device.

The shisha device may have any suitable air management. In one example,puffing action from the user will create a suction effect causing a lowpressure inside the device which will cause external air to flow throughan air inlet of the device, into the air inlet channel, and into thereceptacle. The air may then flow through the cartridge in thereceptacle and become entrained with aerosol produced from theaerosol-forming substrate. The air with entrained aerosol then exits theaerosol outlet of the receptacle, flows through the conduit to theliquid inside the vessel. The aerosol will then bubble out of the liquidand into head space in the vessel above the level of the liquid, out theheadspace outlet, and through the hose and mouthpiece for delivery tothe consumer. The flow of external air and the flow of the aerosolinside the shisha device may be driven by the action of puffing from theuser.

Reference will now be made to the drawings, which depict one or moreembodiments described in this disclosure. However, it will be understoodthat other embodiments not depicted in the drawings fall within thescope and spirit of this disclosure. Like numbers used in the figuresrefer to like components. The use of different numbers to refer tocomponents in different figures is not intended to indicate that thedifferent numbered components cannot be the same or similar to othernumbered components. The figures are presented for purposes ofillustration and not limitation. Schematic drawings presented in thefigures are not necessarily to scale.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a shisha device.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are schematic top and bottom perspective views,respectively, of the body of a shisha cartridge for use in the shishadevice of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3A is a schematic bottom view of a shisha cartridge after havingbeen pierced by the piercing assembly according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3B is a schematic top view of a shisha cartridge use in the shishadevice of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are schematic view of a shisha device and cap withpiercing assembly in use according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5A is cross-sectional side view of the cap and piercing system ofFIG. 4A according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5B is an exploded view of the cap and piercing system of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of the cap frame of the cap andpiercing system of FIG. 4A according to an embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of the outer shroud of the capand piercing system of FIG. 4A according to an embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of the spring of the cap andpiercing system of FIG. 4A according to an embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view of the inner shroud of the capand piercing system of FIG. 4A according to an embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of the support ring of the capand piercing system of FIG. 4A according to an embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view of the grip element of the capand piercing system of FIG. 4A according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 12A and 12B are schematic cross sectional side and bottom views,respectively, of the outer shroud of the cap and piercing system of FIG.4A according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 13A-13D are side views of the track and pin in different positionsduring use of the cap and piercing system of FIG. 4A according to anembodiment.

FIG. 14 is a cross sectional schematic partial view of the use of thecap and piercing system of FIG. 4A according to an embodiment.

FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of an example of a shisha device100. The device 100 includes a vessel 17 defining an interior volumeconfigured to contain liquid 19 and defining a headspace outlet 15 abovea fill level for the liquid 19. The liquid 19 preferably includes water,which may optionally be infused with one or more colorants, one or moreflavorants, or one or more colorants and one or more flavorants. Forexample, the water may be infused with one or both of botanicalinfusions and herbal infusions.

The device 100 also includes an aerosol-generating element 130. Theaerosol-generating element 130 includes a receptacle 140 configured toreceive a cartridge 200 comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. Theaerosol-generating element 130 may also include a heating element 160.The heating element 160 may form at least one surface of the receptacle140. In the depicted embodiment, the heating element 160 defines theside surfaces of the receptacle 140. The aerosol-generating element 130also includes an air inlet channel 170 that draws air into the device100. In some embodiments, portion of the air inlet channel 170 is formedby the heating element 160 to heat the air before the air enters thereceptacle 140. The pre-heated air then enters the cartridge 200, whichis also heated by heating element 160, to carry aerosol generated by theaerosol former and the aerosol-forming substrate. The air exits anoutlet of the aerosol-generating element 130 and enters a conduit 190.

The conduit 190 carries the air and aerosol into the vessel 17 below thelevel of the liquid 19. The air and aerosol may bubble through theliquid 19 and exit the headspace outlet 15 of the vessel 17. A hose 20may be attached to the headspace outlet 15 to carry the aerosol to themouth of a user. A mouthpiece 25 may be attached to, or form a part of,the hose 20.

An exemplary air flow path of the device, in use, is depicted by thickarrows in FIG. 1 .

The mouthpiece 25 may include an activation element 27. The activationelement 27 may be a switch, button or the like, or may be a puff sensoror the like. The activation element 27 may be placed at any othersuitable location of the device 100. The activation element 27 may be inwireless communication with the control electronics 30 to place thedevice 100 in condition for use or to cause control electronics toactivate the heating element 160; for example, by causing power supply35 to energize the heating element 160.

The control electronics 30 and power supply 35 may be located in anysuitable position of the aerosol-generating element 130, includinglocations other than the bottom portion of the element 130 as depictedin FIG. 1 .

Referring now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, various embodiments of the body 210are shown. The body 210 may include a side wall 212, a top wall 215, anda bottom wall 213 defining a cavity 218. The side wall 212 may becylindrical or frustoconical, as shown. FIG. 2A shows the body 210 witha portion of the top 215 removed, showing the cavity 218 inside thebody. The body 210 may define a center axis A extending through the body210. The top may comprise a flange 219 that extends from the sidewall212 as shown in FIG. 2B.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, one or both of the top 215 and bottom213 of the body may have a plurality of apertures 217, 216 to allow airflow through the cartridge when the cartridge is in use. The apertures217 of the top 215 may be formed by the piercing assembly. The cartridge200 may also or alternatively include apertures along the sidewall 212.The apertures 216 of the bottom 213 may be blocked by a peelable seal orliner when the cartridge is stored prior to use or may be formed by asecond piercing assembly on the side of the bottom wall.

A partial schematic view of a shisha device with the cap 400 andpiercing assembly 401 is shown in FIG. 4A. The cap 400 may include anouter frame 410 housing the piercing assembly 401. The piercing assembly401 may include an outer shroud 420 and a piercing element 440 on theinside wall of the outer shroud 420. In some embodiments, such as thoseillustrated for example, the piercing element 440 may be disposed on theinside end wall 421. The piercing assembly 401 may further include aninner shroud 430 at least partially disposed within the outer shroud.The piercing element 440 may be oriented toward a cartridge 200 placedwithin a receptacle of the shisha device 100. Once the cartridge 200 hasbeen pierced by the piercing assembly 401, an airflow path isestablished through the cartridge 200, as shown in FIG. 4B.

An example of a cap 400 and piercing assembly 401 is shown in FIGS. 5Aand 5B. Detailed views of each of the elements of the cap 400 andpiercing assembly 401 are shown in FIGS. 6-11 . The cap 400 and piercingassembly 401 may define a longitudinal axis A. The longitudinal axis Amay be a center axis. The longitudinal axis A may be coaxial with thehollow tube of the stem pipe 190.

The cap outer frame 410, shown in FIG. 6 , may comprise a cylindricalouter wall 413 extending between a first end wall 411 and an open secondend 412. The outer frame 410 may define a cavity 419 for housing thepiercing assembly 401. The first end wall 411 may have a protrusion 414extending from the inside wall. The protrusion 414 may be configured forpressing on the outer shroud 420 while leaving a gap between the capouter frame 410 and the outer shroud 420.

The cap 400 may include a grip element 450, shown in FIG. 11 ,configured to grip the cartridge 200. The grip element 450 may include aring member 451 and one or more grip fingers 452. The one or more gripfingers 452 extend from the ring member 451 to upper ends 453. The gripelement 450 may be positioned within the inner shroud 430, as shown inFIG. 5A. The one or more grip fingers 452 may be configured such thatthe ends of the grip fingers 452 abut against an upper flange of thecartridge 200 when the cartridge 200 is received in the inner shroud430.

The outer frame 410 may optionally include screw holes 462 configuredfor fastening a support plate 460 (FIG. 10 ) to the bottom of the outerframe 410. Alternatively, the support plate 460 may be fastened by othermeans, such as by an adhesive. The support plate 460 may be asubstantially round plate with a center hole 461 extending through theplate. The support plate 460 may be sized to hold the piercing assembly401 inside the cavity 419 of the outer frame 410, as shown in FIG. 5A.

The outer shroud 420, shown in FIGS. 7, 12A, and 12B, is constructed toat least partially fit within the cavity 419 of the cap outer frame 410.The outer shroud 420 may comprise a cylindrical outer wall 423 extendingbetween a first end wall 421 and an open second end 422. The outershroud 420 may define a cavity 429 for housing the piercing element 440and the inner shroud 430. The outer shroud 420 comprises the piercingelement 440. The piercing element 440 extends axially downward insidethe cavity of the outer shroud 420. The piercing element 440 is centeredwith respect to a longitudinal axis A of the outer shroud 420. Thepiercing element 440 may be integral with the outer shroud 420 or may beattached to the inside of the first end wall 421 of the outer shroud420. The piercing element 440 may comprise one or more piecing edges orpiercing points 441. The piecing edges or piercing points 441 areconfigured to pierce a wall (for example, top wall) of the cartridge200. The piercing element 440 may have a width W440. The width W440 maybe configured such that the piercing element 440 is able to fit throughan opening 437 on the inner shroud 430. The outer shroud 420 maycomprise a bottom flange 427. The bottom flange 427 may extend outwardlyfrom the bottom of the outer wall 423.

The inner shroud 430, shown in FIG. 9 , is constructed to at leastpartially fit within the cavity 429 of the outer shroud 420. The innershroud 430 may have an outer wall comprising first part 433 and a secondpart 434. The first part 433 may be a cylindrical wall with a firstdiameter, and the second part 434 may be a cylindrical wall with asecond diameter. The second diameter may be greater than the firstdiameter. The first and second parts 433, 434 may be separated by ashoulder 435. The shoulder 435 may be constructed to support thecompression spring 470. The compression spring 470 may fit around thefirst part 433. The end of the compression spring 470 may be supportedon the shoulder 435, so that the spring may be compressed against theshoulder 435. The outer wall of the inner shroud 430 may extend betweena first end wall 431 and an open second end 432. The inner shroud 440may define a cavity 439 for receiving a cartridge 200. The inner shroud430 may have an opening 437 at the first end wall 431. The opening 437may be configured to receive the piercing element 440. The opening 437may further include one or more channels 438 for facilitating airflowthrough the inner shroud 430 while the piercing element 440 is receivedin the opening 437.

The outer and inner shrouds 420, 430 may include a track and pin systemto guide the movement of the outer shroud 420. The outer shroud 420 maycomprise one or more pins 425 extending radially inwardly from itscylindrical outer wall 423. The inner shroud 430 may include one or moretracks 436 corresponding to the one or more pins 425. An exemplary track436 and the path guided by the track 436 are shown in FIGS. 13A-13D. Atfirst, the cap outer frame 410 and the outer shroud 420 are in a firstposition P1. The first position P1 may be considered a rest position.The guide track may comprise a first portion and a second portion. Theguide track may comprise a second position P2, which may be a piercingposition of the piercing element. The first portion may define a firstdistance between the first position P1 and a second position P2. Thefirst portion may define a third position P3. The third position P3 maybe a use position. The second portion may define a second distancebetween the third position P3 and a fourth position P4. The seconddistance may be shorter than the first distance. The first portion mayguide the track pin in an axial direction and in a radial direction. Aforce may be applied to the cap outer frame 410 and the outer shroud420, for example, the cap 410 may be pressed down (for example, by auser) to move the pin from the first position P1 to the second positionP2 (see arrow in FIG. 13A), where the piercing element 440 engages andpierces the cartridge 200. When the force removed, for example, whenpressure is released from (for example, the user lets go of) the capouter frame 410 and the outer shroud 420, the compression spring 470returns the cap outer frame 410 and the outer shroud 420 up to a thirdposition P3. The movement of the cap during the initial pushing down ofthe cap to pierce the cartridge and the release of the cap to allow thecap to return to the third (use) position is defined by the firstportion of the track. In the third position P3, an airflow path is openthrough the openings formed in the cartridge 200, and is open between anexterior of the shisha device and the vessel. To release and remove thecap 400, the user may again press on the cap outer frame 410, causingthe cap outer frame 410 and the outer shroud 420 to move to a fourthposition P4, from where the compression spring 470 returns the cap outerframe 410 and the outer shroud 420 to the initial first position P1. Themovement of the cap during the second instance of pushing down on thecap to release the cap is defined by the second portion of the track.

The operation of the shisha device 100 and the cap 400 and piercingassembly 401 are also schematically shown in FIG. 14 . The shisha device100 includes an aerosol-generating element 130 with a receptacle 140configured to receive a cartridge 200 comprising an aerosol-formingsubstrate. The aerosol-generating element 130 may also include a heatingelement 160. The heating element 160 may form a part of the receptacle140. A user may begin by placing the cartridge 200 in the receptacle 140(step 1) and placing the cap 400 onto the cartridge 200 (step 2) suchthat the cartridge 200 is received in the inner shroud 430. If the capincludes a grip element 450, the top of the cartridge 200 may slide pastthe grip element 450 such that the grip fingers 452 grip the cartridge200. The user may then push on the cap to pierce the cartridge 200 (step3). After letting go of the cap 400, the spring 470 pushes the cap frame410 and outer shroud 420 up into the operating position (step 4). In theoperating position, the air path through the cartridge 200 is open, andthe user may use the shisha device as usual. After using the shishadevice, the user may push on the cap 400 again to release the cap (step5). The track-and-pin system will guide the motion of the cap 400,allowing the spring 470 to return the cap 400 to its beginning position(step 6). The user may then remove the cap 400 from the device (step 7).

Thus, piercing systems for shisha devices are described. Variousmodifications and variations of the invention will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of theinvention. Although the invention has been described in connection withspecific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that theinvention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specificembodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes forcarrying out the invention which are apparent to those skilled in themechanical arts, chemical arts, and aerosol-generating articlemanufacturing or related fields are intended to be within the scope ofthe following claims.

1. An aerosol-generating device comprising: an aerosol-generatingelement comprising a body and a receptacle for receiving a cartridgecomprising an aerosol-forming substrate; a vessel having a liquid filllevel and defining a head space outlet above the liquid fill level; aconduit for conveying airflow from the receptacle to the vessel; and acap engageable with the body, the cap comprising: a frame comprising acavity and having a center axis, wherein the cavity is arranged forreceiving the cartridge; and a piercing element disposed within thecavity and configured to pierce a wall of the cartridge, wherein the capis movable, relative to the body, between a first position and a secondposition, between the second position and a third position, and betweenthe third position and the first position, and wherein the thirdposition is an intermediate position between the first and secondpositions, in which an air path between an external environment, thecavity, and the receptacle is open.
 2. The aerosol-generating deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the cap frame comprises a side wall, anopen end, and a closed end comprising an end wall, wherein the centeraxis extends from the open end to the closed end, and wherein thepiercing element is oriented to face toward the open end.
 3. Theaerosol-generating device according to claim 2, wherein the piercingelement is disposed adjacent the closed end.
 4. The aerosol-generatingdevice according to claim 1, wherein the piercing element is coaxialwith the center axis.
 5. The aerosol-generating device according toclaim 1, the cap further comprising a spring element biasing thepiercing element away from the receptacle.
 6. The aerosol-generatingdevice according to claim 1, wherein in the first position, the piercingelement is not engaged with the cartridge received in the receptacle,and wherein in the second position, the piercing element is engaged withthe cartridge received in the receptacle to pierce the cartridge.
 7. Theaerosol-generating device according to claim 1, the cap furthercomprising an outer shroud and an inner shroud disposed within the outershroud, wherein the outer shroud comprises the piercing element andwherein the inner shroud defines the cavity, and wherein the outershroud is axially movable relative to the inner shroud.
 8. Theaerosol-generating device according to claim 7, wherein the inner shroudcomprises a cylindrical side wall coaxial with the center axis, and anend wall at one end of the cylindrical side wall, the end wallcomprising an opening configured to receive the piercing element.
 9. Theaerosol-generating device according to claim 8, wherein when thepiercing element is received in the end wall opening and the cap is inthe third position, a gap configured to allow airflow through theopening of the end wall of the inner shroud remains between the piercingelement and the end wall of the inner shroud.
 10. The aerosol-generatingdevice according to claim 7, wherein the inner shroud comprises one ormore guide tracks and the outer shroud comprises one or more track pinsconfigured to cooperate with the one or more guide tracks.
 11. Theaerosol-generating device according to claim 10, wherein each of the oneor more guide tracks comprise a first portion and a second portion, thefirst portion defining a first distance and the second portion defininga second distance that is shorter than the first distance.
 12. Theaerosol-generating device according to claim 11, wherein the firstportion is configured to guide the track pin in an axial direction andin a radial direction.
 13. The aerosol-generating device according toclaim 11, wherein and end position of the first portion defines apiercing position of the piercing element.
 14. The aerosol-generatingdevice according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol-generating devicecomprises a second piercing element in a base of the receptacle of thebody, wherein the second piercing element extends from the base of thereceptacle into the receptacle in a direction away from the base of thereceptacle.